Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Risk and Prevalence by Stool DNA Integrity Detection
Published on: June 8, 2020
The practical value of comprehensive stool analysis in detecting the cause of idiopathic chronic diarrhea
Karen J Steffer1, Carol A Santa Ana, Jason A Cole
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
Abstract:
The practical diagnostic value of fecal analysis in the evaluation of patients with chronic nonbloody diarrhea is controversial. It is possible that variations in its value depend on how it is done and how the results are interpreted rather than on its intrinsic value. In the authors' city, stool analysis has been made easily accessible, with a commitment to quality assurance and interpretation. To evaluate its practical value, the results of stool analysis obtained on stool specimens submitted by gastroenterologists were retrospectively reviewed. The results indicate that stool analysis has substantial practical diagnostic value in patients with chronic diarrhea.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

